November 2017

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Man says he contracted eye-eating parasite on water ride

Robert Trostle claims he rode the Raging Rapids this summer, and days later, he had severe pain in his left eye and was diagnosed with microsporidia keratitis

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/eye-eating-parasite-water-ride-kennywood-pennsylvania/

Infectious Diseases A-Z: Does your child have ear pain?

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mShYxkS0VQo

Rise Up to End Human Trafficking

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCW1VYgYAVA

Mayo Clinic Minute: Hyperbaric solutions

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WmVfpu-VmI

Rise Up to End Human Trafficking

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZcAqIZ0qpw

Mayo Clinic Minute: Advancing technology making Type 1 diabetes management easier

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CAQ0ydXatM

Naloxone: An important tool, but not the solution to the opioid crisis

Every once in a while, I’ll have a terrible shift in the emergency department (ED) in which I have to pronounce yet another young person dead from an opioid overdose. I typically have to call their parents, who usually express sorrow but not surprise at the horrific news, as we all know how deadly opioid use disorder can be. But more frequently, the overdose patients I care for survive. Typically, they were found unresponsive by a friend or family member — 911 is called, the person is given the reversal agent naloxone, and is brought to the ED where my colleagues and I take over.

How naloxone works

Here’s the problemNaloxone is, in many respects, a wonder drug. It inhibits the opioid receptor in the brain (so it blocks the effect of an opioid) and, if there is an opioid already present, naloxone can knock it off a receptor. So, if a person overdoses on an opioid such as heroin, the naloxone pushes the heroin away and blocks the receptor but does not activate it, so the person can recover from their overdose. However, since its time of action is fairly short — shorter than the effect of many of the opioids people use — we watch patients for a few hours in the ED until we’re sure the opioids have completely cleared their system. Basically, we want to make sure that they don’t overdose again. After they sober, we offer to have them speak to a social worker (most refuse), or provide a list of detox facilities, and then they quietly leave the ED.

b. I want to talk frankly with the patient who overdoses and survives, and specifically let them know their risk of dying should they not get treatment. I also want to make the case that better treatment options after an overdose are needed.

Our group at Brigham and Women’s Hospital therefore conducted a study, recently presented at the American College of Emergency Physicians national meeting in Washington, DC. In this study, we aimed to define how many patients who were treated with naloxone by an ambulance crew and initially survived were still alive after one year. Even though these patients are typically just observed in the ED hallway, allowed to sober while the ED staff is busy taking care of other patients with life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks, trauma, and strokes, our team hypothesized that the individual sobering in the hallway bed has perhaps one of the highest one-year mortality rates of anyone seen in the department.

Here’s how the study worked — and what we found

To perform the study, we took advantage of a special project in Massachusetts called the “Chapter 55” legislation which, for the first time, linked many previously separate state databases. We connected the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) database with the all-payer claims database and death records database for our study. In brief, we evaluated patients who received naloxone by EMS over a 30-month period. We then looked at death records one year beyond the first time they received naloxone.

During the study period, there were 12,192 naloxone administrations by EMS, which equals over 400 per month. Of these, 6.5% of patients died that same day and 9.3% died within one year. Excluding those who died the same day, about 10% of the patients who initially survived were dead at one year. Even more significant was that 51.4% of those patients died within one month. Also, apart from those who died the same day, about 40% of those who died within one year died outside of the hospital, highlighting the danger of overdosing before medical personnel can reach the victim and the need for bystander naloxone.

What does this mean about preventing deaths from opioid use disorder?

These results are disheartening: an opioid overdose patient who sobers in the hallway, is offered a detox list, and then is discharged has a one-in-10 chance of being dead within a year. And the highest risk is within one month. Naloxone is an important tool in fighting the opioid crisis, but is no solution. Patients who survive opioid overdose should be considered extremely high-risk. I believe that as a society, we should talk seriously about the resources that are available for people who overdose. We should counsel these patients and offer them buprenorphine (a medication used to help treat opioid use disorder) directly from the ED, provide recovery coaches, and create easily accessible treatment sites where they can go for ongoing care.

The post Naloxone: An important tool, but not the solution to the opioid crisis appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Scott Weiner, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/naloxone-tool-not-solution-opioid-crisis-2017113012800

Real-life healthy dinners (for real people with real busy lives)

At the end of a long workday, my husband and I will often trade texts figuring out who will pick up the kids at my mother’s, and who will deal with dinner. Thankfully, we’re equal partners in all responsibilities (except spider-killing, which is strictly Hubby’s job) and dietary preferences. We’re both health-conscious foodie types. We want good food that’s good for us.

An unvarnished look at family dinner

The kids, on the other hand… I’m not sure how this happened, but we somehow raised creatures with tastes vastly different from ours, and each other. We’ve never tried to cook an evening family meal that everyone would eat, because such a meal does not exist. Instead, we stock up on parent-approved kids’ faves that they can essentially get for themselves, or that can be prepared with minimal time and fuss, on a moment’s notice. And we try to all eat in the same room, at sort of the same time.

Do our kids eat as healthfully as we do, or we would like them to? No, but they eat healthfully enough, they’re developing well, and that’s fine. On a “good” night, their dinners may consist of: an apple with cinnamon/a yogurt/a bag of pea puffs for my five-year-old daughter, and scrambled eggs with cheddar/pita bread/a fresh peach for my seven-year-old son. On a “bad” night, it may be a warmed-up blueberry pancake with extra blueberries and extra butter for my daughter, and bacon (lots of bacon) for my son. This is entirely okay with us. As a matter of fact, it’s incredibly liberating to let go of the idea that we always need to eat exactly the same thing, and that it has to be perfectly healthy. After all, Hubby and I enjoy pizza and wings sometimes, too!

Here’s a practical approach to striking a balance

What matters is what we all eat most of the time, and most of the time, we’re eating a healthy combo of fruits and veggies (we eat mostly fruits and veggies, all week), lean protein, and healthy fats.

So, dinner.

Hubby and I rely heavily on frozen foods. Not pre-prepared, store-bought frozen meals, but rather frozen veggies galore, veggie burgers, and tofu “chik’n.” The pantry is stocked with quick-cooking quinoa and brown rice, canned and bottled accompaniments for different-themed meals (like Kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and hearts of palm for a Greek salad; sliced water chestnuts and baby corn for a stir-fry; salsa for a southwestern meal). We always keep various nuts and seeds on hand (cashews, almonds, pine nuts, pepitas, sesame and sunflower seeds, for example), as these can be added to a salad or stir-fry for extra healthy fiber/protein/fat. We make sure we’re always stocked up on condiments like sesame oil, soy sauce, ground ginger and cilantro, olive oil, various vinegars, broths, and wines for cooking. In the fridge, there’s almost always romaine lettuce, onions, peppers, lemons, limes, and cherry tomatoes (all of which last awhile and can be used in many types of recipes). And of course, tons and tons of fruit, yogurts, and cheeses of all kinds.

Thus prepared, we always have ingredients for our go-to, quick and easy dinner repertoire.

Here are some basic healthy dinners we really do eat on a regular basis

So-Quick Southwestern Salad

Two or three black-bean veggie burgers (there are several brands, usually in the frozen foods aisle)
A heart or two of romaine lettuce
Tomatoes (a bunch of cherry tomatoes, or a regular tomato or two)
A lemon and/or a lime
Salt/pepper to taste
Olive oil
Pepitas (toasted, or not), a good handful or two

How we do it: Get home from work, drop various and sundry backpacks and bags, ask kids to feed cats.

Grab veggie burgers from freezer and throw in toaster oven to bake or broil.
Wash lettuce and tomatoes, shred/cut, and throw in a salad bowl.
Juice lemon/lime over the mix.
Then sprinkle olive oil, salt and pepper, and pepitas over, and toss.
Tell partner to set table and get drinks (water, wine, whatever).
Help the kids get their dinners together and move salad bowl, kids, and all food to table.
Pull burgers out of toaster oven (don’t forget to turn it off, as we have) and either serve mixed in, alongside, or on top of salad.

You can obviously vary this as much as you like. You can top with some salsa, shredded cheddar, and plain Greek yogurt if you want, too. The point is, this meal is fast (we can get this prepared and on the table in under 10 minutes) and it hits all the high points: vegetables, healthy protein, healthy fats, no processed carbs.

Here’s another idea to try:

Really Fast Asian Stir-Fry

A bag of soy-based chik’n (many forms and brands, usually found in the frozen foods aisle)
A bag or two of frozen veggies of your choice
A can or two of Asian-style veggies like sliced water chestnuts
Sesame oil
Soy sauce
Ground ginger if you have it
Cashews or sesame seeds

Directions: See above about getting home and getting kids together.

Pull out a wok or a large frying pan, set on stove, and turn on heat. Let it heat while you get other ingredients out.
When hot, add about a tablespoon or two of sesame oil, then soy chik’n.
Cook and stir until hot and browned, then dump your veggies right on top, soy sauce (a teaspoon or two), ginger (a teaspoon or so), stir it all up, and cover.
Let it heat up for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
When hot, throw in cashews or sesame seeds (a handful or so, toasted or not), and serve.

Again, you can vary this to suit your taste. You can always use fresh veggies. You can add spicy sriracha sauce or teriyaki sauce. If you like rice with your stir-fry, there is microwave brown rice that is very fast. (Pro tip: we will often simply reheat brown rice that we’ve made earlier and frozen.) The point is, again, that this is a recipe that’s fast as well as healthful. Make extra and have it the next night, or take it to work for lunch!

Looking for a healthy breakfast recipe? Check out my other blog post.

The post Real-life healthy dinners (for real people with real busy lives) appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Monique Tello, MD, MPH https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/real-healthy-dinners-busy-people-2017112912794

Infectious Diseases A-Z: Does your child have ear pain?

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mShYxkS0VQo

Rise Up to End Human Trafficking

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCW1VYgYAVA

Mayo Clinic Minute: Hyperbaric solutions

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WmVfpu-VmI

Tips for surviving this cold and flu season

Don't overdo the over-the-counter meds: high doses of acetaminophen send nearly 60,000 people to the ER each year

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cold-and-flu-medicine-risks-natural-remedies-that-work/

Newborns in Pain Might Not Show It

Newborns display a stronger brain response to pain when they're under stress, but it isn't reflected in their behavior, British researchers found.

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20171130/newborns-in-pain-might-not-show-it?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Another Opioid Scourge: Dangerous Infections

ERs are seeing an increasing number of patients seeking care for severe infections resulting from injected use of heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and the like, new research shows.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20171130/another-opioid-scourge-dangerous-infections?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Changes to School Lunch Rules Slammed by Experts

The U.S. Agriculture Department announced the proposed new rule on Wednesday and said it would be introduced during the 2018-19 school year.

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20171130/changes-to-school-lunch-rules-slammed-by-experts?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Dentist stresses prescriber education, shares personal story during Senate opioids hearing

As an oral surgeon and dental educator at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Dr. A. Omar Abubaker was familiar with prescribing opioids to help patients manage their dental pain.

From: By Jennifer Garvin
http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/dentist-stresses-importance-of-safe-prescribing-shares-personal-story-during-senate-opioids-hearing

Science Says Dogs Are Smarter Than Cats

Dogs are smarter than cats, according to a new study that may settle a debate that's long had the fur flying between dog and cat lovers.

From: https://pets.webmd.com/news/20171130/science-says-dogs-are-smarter-than-cats?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Rise Up to End Human Trafficking

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZcAqIZ0qpw

More than half of U.S. kids could be obese by age 35

Researchers' "sobering" forecast predicts the majority of kids growing up in America today will be obese by their mid-30s

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-than-half-of-us-children-could-be-obese-by-age-65/

Do Teens' Brains Show 'Smartphone Addiction'?

Teens fixated on their smartphones experience changes to their brain chemistry that mirror those prompted by addiction, a new study suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20171130/do-teens-brains-show-smartphone-addiction?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What You Don't Know About Drug Interactions Could Hurt You

Many older Americans take multiple medications -- but only about one-third ever discuss possible interactions between drugs, a new poll finds.

From: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20171129/too-few-seniors-know-risks-of-multiple-medications?src=RSS_PUBLIC

U.S. troops get freeze-dried plasma for use on the battlefield

The plasma helps clot blood and can prevent badly wounded troops from bleeding to death on the battlefield

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-troops-get-freeze-dried-blood-plasma-for-use-on-the-battlefield/

Drug studies offer hope for migraine sufferers

Studies of two long-acting medicines, given as monthly shots, found they cut the frequency of painful and disabling headaches

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/migraine-headaches-long-acting-drugs-erenumab-fremanezumab/

Naloxone: An important tool, but not the solution to the opioid crisis

How naloxone works

Naloxone is, in many respects, a wonder drug. It inhibits the opioid receptor in the brain (so it blocks the effect of an opioid) and, if there is an opioid already present, naloxone can knock it off a receptor. So, if a person overdoses on an opioid such as heroin, the naloxone pushes the heroin away and blocks the receptor but does not activate it, so the person can recover from their overdose. However, since its time of action is fairly short — shorter than the effect of many of the opioids people use — we watch patients for a few hours in the ED until we’re sure the opioids have completely cleared their system. Basically, we want to make sure that they don’t overdose again. After they sober, we offer to have them speak to a social worker (most refuse), or provide a list of detox facilities, and then they quietly leave the ED.

Here’s the problem

This status quo bothers me. In particular, I’m concerned that although naloxone is now readily available — carried by police, firefighters, basic life support ambulances, and even bystanders —overdose deaths continue to climb. I want to talk frankly with the patient who overdoses and survives, and specifically let them know their risk of dying should they not get treatment. I also want to make the case that better treatment options after an overdose are needed.

Here’s how the study worked — and what we found

What does this mean about preventing deaths from opioid use disorder?

The post Naloxone: An important tool, but not the solution to the opioid crisis appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Scott Weiner, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/naloxone-tool-not-solution-opioid-crisis-2017113012800

Stronger Gun Laws Reduce Domestic Violence Deaths

Thirteen states and federal law prohibit people convicted of domestic violence from buying guns. But the study found that states that extended this ban to people convicted of any violent crime had 23 percent fewer domestic violence murders.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171130/stronger-gun-laws-reduce-domestic-violence-deaths?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Institute for Diversity in Leadership 2017-18 class announced

The ADA Board of Trustees announced in November the 2017-18 class of the Institute for Diversity in Leadership.

From: By Kimber Solana
http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/institute-for-diversity-in-leadership-2017-18-class-announced

Risks to watch for when taking cold and flu remedies

Last year, Americans reportedly spent nearly $6 billion on remedies for runny noses and sore throats. But over-the-counter medications can have risks. High doses of acetaminophen send nearly 60,000 people to the emergency room each year. Consumer Reports deputy editor Lisa Gill joins "CBS This Morning" to offer practical tips for the cold season.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/risks-to-watch-for-when-taking-cold-and-flu-remedies/

Autoworkers collaborate to build fellow employee a new limb

Coworkers at an auto plant in Ohio combined their skills to build an arm for a fellow employee

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-more-perfect-union-autoworkers-build-prosthetic-hand-for-coworker/

60 Percent of U.S. Kids Could Be Obese by Age 35

The majority of children growing up in America today will be obese by age 35, a new computer analysis predicts.

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20171129/60-percent-of-us-kids-could-be-obese-by-age-35?src=RSS_PUBLIC

New Migraine Drugs Show Promise

The drugs were designed specifically to target a pathway believed to be important in these headaches.

From: https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/news/20171129/new-migraine-drugs-show-promise?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Trump budget cuts could result in millions of new AIDS-related infections, says new report

Just before World AIDS Day, the ONE Campaign released a report on the potential impact of White House proposed cuts to HIV/AIDS efforts

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-budget-cuts-could-result-in-millions-of-new-aids-related-infections-says-new-report/

Recall: Chocolate Protein Bar Sold at ALDI

Fit & Active bars were distributed to 21 states.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171129/recall-chocolate-protein-bar-sold-at-aldi?src=RSS_PUBLIC

AG Jeff Sessions announces new tools to address opioid epidemic

Sessions was be joined by DEA officials to discuss the new tools to combat the crisis

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ag-jeff-sessions-holds-press-conference-on-combatting-opioid-epidemic-live-stream/

"Bone treats" blamed for dog deaths, illnesses

The FDA says it has received dozens of reports of pet illnesses, and even deaths, related to commercially-produced “bone treats”

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-bone-treats-causing-dog-deaths-and-illnesses/

Does Marriage Help Preserve Your Brain?

A new research review suggests there's something about marriage -- or people who get and stay married -- that significantly lowers the risk of mental decline in old age.

From: https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20171129/does-marriage-help-preserve-your-brain?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Retired admiral on "most shocking call" of his life

The opioid epidemic has taken more than half a million lives since the year 2000

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-epidemic-retired-admiral-sandy-winnefeld-sons-death/

FDA Warns Biotin Can Distort Lab Tests

The FDA is warning that high doses of the vitamin B7, or biotin, in dietary supplements can interfere with hundreds of common lab tests—including some relied on by ER doctors to diagnose a heart attack.

From: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/news/20171129/fda-warns-biotin-can-distort-lab-tests?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Retired Adm. Winnefeld on son's opioid-overdose death

In our ongoing series Issues That Matter, we take a closer look at the opioid epidemic. It has taken more than 500,000 lives since the year 2000. For retired Navy admiral and CBS News military and homeland security analyst Sandy Winnefeld, the epidemic is personal. He lost his 19-year-old son, Jonathan, in September to a fentanyl-laced batch of heroin. Winnefeld joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss how his family is dedicating themselves to studying the problem and saving other families from the same heartache.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/retired-adm-winnefeld-on-sons-opioid-overdose-death/

Electrical Pulses May Ease Pain From 'Slipped' Disc

A new treatment that aims electrical pulses at irritated nerves around the spinal cord appears effective at relieving chronic lower back pain and sciatica, a preliminary study suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20171129/electrical-pulse-may-ease-pain-from-slipped-disc?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What You Don't Know About Drug Interactions Could Hurt You

Many older Americans take multiple medications -- but only about one-third ever discuss possible interactions between drugs, a new poll finds.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171129/too-few-seniors-know-risks-of-multiple-medications?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Many NFL Players Found to Have Enlarged Aortas

The aorta, the largest artery in the body, carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20171129/many-nfl-players-found-to-have-enlarged-aortas?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Arkansas again cuts off Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood

The move follows a court ruling upholding the state's decision to defund the group over videos secretly recorded by an anti-abortion group

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/arkansas-again-cuts-off-medicaid-funds-to-planned-parenthood/

Global response to malaria at crossroads

Global response to malaria at crossroads - WHO report shows gains are levelling off

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/malaria-report-response/en/index.html

"Encouraging signs" seen in fight against HIV

A new government report finds HIV is being diagnosed on average seven months sooner than it was just a few years ago

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hiv-being-caught-sooner-in-more-people-cdc-says/

Doctor who doesn't use computer can't regain license

The 84-year-old doctor's request to regain her license to practice was denied, partly due to her inability to use a computer

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctor-who-doesnt-use-computer-cant-regain-license-judge-says/

HIV Diagnoses Occurring More Quickly, CDC Says

The average time between HIV infection and diagnosis was three years in 2015, seven months earlier than it had been in 2011, according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From: https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20171128/hiv-diagnoses-occurring-more-quickly-cdc-says?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Doctors seek new hope for patients with eye stroke

There's currently no treatment for the condition, which can lead to sudden vision loss, but a clinical trial is testing a new experimental drug

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-hope-for-patients-with-eye-stroke/

Don't Delay Hip Fracture Surgery. Here's Why

Having surgery within 24 hours decreases the risk of hip fracture-related death

From: https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/news/20171128/dont-delay-hip-fracture-surgery-heres-why?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FDA: Beware of Bone Treats for Dogs

Ninety dogs have been sickened, including 15 who died, from bone treats, federal agency says.

From: https://pets.webmd.com/news/20171128/fda-beware-of-one-treats-for-dogs?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Facebook turns to AI to help prevent suicides

Facebook says it will use AI to help identify when someone is expressing thoughts about suicide on the social media platform

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/facebook-artificial-intelligence-suicide-prevention/

Contaminated raw milk may have been sold in 4 states

Health officials say anyone who consumed raw milk products from Udder Milk in the past six months should see their doctor for antibiotics to prevent illness

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/contaminated-raw-milk-may-have-been-sold-in-4-states/

Bullied teens more likely to bring weapons to school

New research identifies three factors linked to greater odds of high school students carrying a weapon during school hours

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bullied-teens-more-likely-to-bring-weapons-to-school/

1 in 10 medical products in developing countries is substandard or falsified

An estimated 1 in 10 medical products circulating in low- and middle-income countries is either substandard or falsified, according to new research from WHO.

This means that people are taking medicines that fail to treat or prevent disease. Not only is this a waste of money for individuals and health systems that purchase these products, but substandard or falsified medical products can cause serious illness or even death.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/substandard-falsified-products/en/index.html

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

FDA announces guidelines that could hasten review of regenerative medicine products, such as stem cells

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it was issuing a new policy framework while also stepping up enforcement against products that raise safety concerns.

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/fda-announces-guidelines-of-regenerative-medicine-products

Help the ADA Foundation on Giving Tuesday

Nov. 28 is Giving Tuesday, a movement created in 2012 to celebrate and encourage charitable giving, and the ADA Foundation is hoping the dental community will keep it in mind when giving to charitable organizations this year.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/help-the-ada-foundation-on-giving-tuesday

Health Related Behaviors and Academic Achievement: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUOQzc8K9_0

Weight Gain for Women in Mid-life: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8AYEU2JtxU

#DearDiabetes: Michael Eisenstein

Dear Diabetes,

Is that what they call you? My intimate stranger who invades every bit of me. They should call you out, put you on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and turn you into D Dust …

No one really knows you. Is that why you’ve attacked so many? Invaded enough of us so we’ll give you a name? You’re famous now. There have been thousands of studies, trials, journal article after journal article and investigators everywhere. You’re even on TV! But where is Detective Columbo asking the subtle questions to take you down? Where is Holmes, as your White-Walker Baskerville Hounds bay in the pancreatic moors?

The hundreds of millions you’ve taken hostage, as you took my family and I. The hundreds millions more you’re lurking within, that you haven’t taken yet, waiting for you to scrutinize their lives. How dare you?

I’ve called you “The Riddler,” because you are. At 17, my smarty pants internist told me I was hypo – as in glycemic. “Glucose too low,” he said after a gross glucose tolerance test – “It’s telling me you’ll have diabetes when you grow older.”

You were already inside my dad, hurting him. He took these little white pills to keep you at bay, along with other pills for the angina you caused. But that was my dad, not me, and I didn’t connect you to his heart – not yet. Didn’t connect it to me, the way I thought about most things at that live-forever age. I was too smart to get diabetes.

However, Mr. Smarty Pants was right. I got the call about you at work, decades later. My doctor calls and says, “Your fasting sugar this morning was 400. Eat something.” My blood test wasn’t supposed to show that; I thought maybe 85 or 90, or in the 70s like when I was 17. Thunderbolt. It felt like I’d been shot, unprotected by my fancy desk, in my cushy office with my big stupid job and my expensive Brooks Brothers tie. Frozen. I called my wife, who said, “Don’t worry. We’ll figure this out.”

Quickly, I turned to Google. What can I eat? “Low carbs,” the Internet said, and “just meat” and “go vegan.” Some chirped, “Cinnamon!” I began to Google more. Heart disease. What? Amputations! Phantasmagoric. I still played tennis, I was athletic, but suddenly you, a stranger, lurked inside me. Someone please pull your puppet strings and waft away like a frayed kite to the dark galaxy you came from.

I felt fine, but knew I wasn’t. At the follow-up, the doctor said I had high cholesterol and HBP. Three new things to worry about. Stay tuned, more to come. And more did come.

My wife’s obstetrician told her she had you, gestational diabetes, a new name for you. He warned her that the real you, type 2 diabetes, could follow. And you did a few years later, moving quietly into her body, as you did in mine. Both of us now on Metformin, both of us wondering more about the future. Both of us thinking about you every day.

Then you took a liking to our firstborn. You struck early with type 2 when she was 19. Now all of us were popping Metformin, fighting you, hating you, dragging you around all day—an invisible ball and chain. I never imagined my firstborn being hauled into an ambulance with KTA, languishing in the ICU with sacks of IV fluids drip, drip, dripping into her veins.

But I‘m where I belong now, my intimate stranger. Fighting you with my colleagues at the American Diabetes Association, where I was meant to be. There’s science everywhere—journals piling up on my desk, each one brilliantly attacking a piece of you, no matter where you hide. We are determined to strike at you, to find out who you really are, to discover why you’re here, and to put arrows into your heart to finish you off. One scientist told me you were evolutionary, and that nothing can eliminate or remove you from our bodies. Another says with a smile, “That’s so wrong; you’re not really part of us.” We’ll find you, turn off your switches, pull the plug on you, eject you from our bodies, forever.

DONE.

Michael Eisenstein
SVP, Products, American Diabetes Association

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2017/11/24/deardiabetes-michael-eisenstein/

Fish oil capsules: Net benefits for the heart are limited

Every day, millions of people swallow fish oil capsules, many of them lured by the promise that the pills will help them cast off heart disease. In fact, the label of one popular brand includes the line, “May reduce coronary heart disease risk.”

Don’t take the bait: these bold marketing claims haven’t caught up with the latest science. Earlier this year, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued an updated advisory about fish oil supplements and their cardiovascular benefits. Their verdict: fish oil supplements may slightly lower the risk of dying of heart failure or after a recent heart attack. But they do not prevent heart disease.

Angling for advice?

“It’s probably not wise for any middle-aged person to start taking fish oil supplements without the advice of a physician,” says Dr. Eric Rimm, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Even for people who do have heart disease, the potential benefits are quite modest, he notes. If you’ve had a heart attack, taking about a gram (1,000 mg) of fish oil per day may lower your risk of sudden cardiac death by about 10%. In people with heart failure, fish oil supplements may reduce death and hospitalizations by about 9%.

The AHA’s earlier recommendation, published in 2002, advised people with known heart disease to consume about a gram per day of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, ideally from eating fatty fish. But people could also consider omega-3 fatty acid supplements in consultation with a physician.

The early evidence for fish oil supplements looked promising. But over the past 15 years, many trials have compared them with placebos. There is no evidence that taking fish oil supplements offers any benefit for people prone to cardiovascular disease, including those with diabetes, atrial fibrillation, or stroke.

Not necessarily risk-free

Even so, some people — including those who aren’t in that small group who might benefit from the supplement — may be tempted to keep taking fish oil. They figure that it can’t hurt and just might help. But that’s not necessarily true, says Dr. Rimm. Although “there’s still good evidence that eating fish twice a week may help lower heart disease risk,” he says, the concentrated oil found in supplements is not entirely without risk.

As is true for all dietary supplements, there is no oversight or regulation regarding the source, quality, or amount of active ingredient in these over-the-counter products. Some studies have detected trace amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in some brands of fish oil supplements. Although these industrial chemicals were banned in 1979 after they were linked to cancer, they’re still found in fish exposed to water contaminated from soil runoff. Other research has revealed that some supplement brands don’t provide the amounts of DHA and EPA advertised on their labels.

It’s also worth noting that fish oil may reduce formation of blood clots. That’s potentially beneficial, but only up to a point. Too much fish oil may increase bleeding risk, particularly in people who also take anticlotting medications, including warfarin (Coumadin) and low-dose aspirin.

Many people take low-dose aspirin for heart attack prevention, Dr. Rimm points out. “Taking fish oil on top of that may not only have no benefit, it may even have some risks that we don’t realize because we haven’t studied them.”

The post Fish oil capsules: Net benefits for the heart are limited appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Julie Corliss https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fish-oil-capsules-heart-benefits-limited-2017112412763

WHO: Opening of the 4th special session of WHO's Executive Board

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr_9N3CqQn0

Trump budget cuts could result in millions of new AIDS-related infections, says new report

Mayo Clinic Minute: Advancing technology making Type 1 diabetes management easier

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CAQ0ydXatM

Recall: Chocolate Protein Bar Sold at ALDI

Fit & Active bars were distributed to 21 states.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171129/recall-chocolate-protein-bar-sold-at-aldi?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Does Marriage Help Preserve Your Brain?

A new research review suggests there's something about marriage -- or people who get and stay married -- that significantly lowers the risk of mental decline in old age.

From: https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20171129/does-marriage-help-preserve-your-brain?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Comments sought on CAD/CAM-related report

Dental professionals can review and comment on a proposed ADA-developed technical report that offers guidance on the cementation and bonding of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing fabricated restorations.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/comments-sought-on-cadcam-report

Retired admiral on "most shocking call" of his life

The opioid epidemic has taken more than half a million lives since the year 2000

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-epidemic-retired-admiral-sandy-winnefeld-sons-death/

FDA Warns Biotin Can Distort Lab Tests

From: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/news/20171129/fda-warns-biotin-can-distort-lab-tests?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Electrical Pulses May Ease Pain From 'Slipped' Disc

A new treatment that aims electrical pulses at irritated nerves around the spinal cord appears effective at relieving chronic lower back pain and sciatica, a preliminary study suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20171129/electrical-pulse-may-ease-pain-from-slipped-disc?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What You Don't Know About Drug Interactions Could Hurt You

Many older Americans take multiple medications -- but only about one-third ever discuss possible interactions between drugs, a new poll finds.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171129/too-few-seniors-know-risks-of-multiple-medications?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Many NFL Players Found to Have Enlarged Aortas

The aorta, the largest artery in the body, carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20171129/many-nfl-players-found-to-have-enlarged-aortas?src=RSS_PUBLIC

"Bone treats" blamed for dog deaths, illnesses

Real-life healthy dinners (for real people with real busy lives)

An unvarnished look at family dinner

Here’s a practical approach to striking a balance

So, dinner.

Thus prepared, we always have ingredients for our go-to, quick and easy dinner repertoire.

Here are some basic healthy dinners we really do eat on a regular basis

So-Quick Southwestern Salad

Two or three black-bean veggie burgers (there are several brands, usually in the frozen foods aisle)
A heart or two of romaine lettuce
Tomatoes (a bunch of cherry tomatoes, or a regular tomato or two)
A lemon and/or a lime
Salt/pepper to taste
Olive oil
Pepitas (toasted, or not), a good handful or two

How we do it: Get home from work, drop various and sundry backpacks and bags, ask kids to feed cats. Grab veggie burgers from freezer and throw in toaster oven to bake or broil. Wash lettuce and tomatoes, shred/cut, and throw in a salad bowl. Juice lemon/lime over the mix. Then sprinkle olive oil, salt and pepper, and pepitas over, and toss. Tell partner to set table and get drinks (water, wine, whatever). Help the kids get their dinners together and move salad bowl, kids, and all food to table. Pull burgers out of toaster oven (don’t forget to turn it off, as we have) and either serve mixed in, alongside, or on top of salad.

Here’s another idea to try:

Really Fast Asian Stir-Fry

A bag of soy-based chik’n (many forms and brands, usually found in the frozen foods aisle)
A bag or two of frozen veggies of your choice
A can or two of Asian-style veggies like sliced water chestnuts
Sesame oil
Soy sauce
Ground ginger if you have it
Cashews or sesame seeds

Directions: See above about getting home and getting kids together. Pull out a wok or a large frying pan, set on stove, and turn on heat. Let it heat while you get other ingredients out. When hot, add about a tablespoon or two of sesame oil, then soy chik’n. Cook and stir until hot and browned, then dump your veggies right on top, soy sauce (a teaspoon or two), ginger (a teaspoon or so), stir it all up, and cover. Let it heat up for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. When hot, throw in cashews or sesame seeds (a handful or so, toasted or not), and serve.

The post Real-life healthy dinners (for real people with real busy lives) appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Monique Tello, MD, MPH https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/real-healthy-dinners-busy-people-2017112912794

Retired Adm. Winnefeld on son's opioid-overdose death

AG Jeff Sessions to announce new tools to address opioid epidemic -- live stream

Sessions will be joined by DEA officials to talk about new tools to combat the crisis

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ag-jeff-sessions-holds-press-conference-on-combatting-opioid-epidemic-live-stream/

#First2Burst Connect

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRP_ISUZq4w

The Alchemist Lung Cancer Trials

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJQsDrTlSpU

Bone Marrow Transplantation for Patients with Multiple Myeloma

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2642l6GC3T0

Arkansas again cuts off Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood

Global response to malaria at crossroads

Global response to malaria at crossroads - WHO report shows gains are levelling off

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/malaria-report-response/en/index.html

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

"Encouraging signs" seen in fight against HIV

HIV Diagnoses Occurring More Quickly, CDC Says

From: https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20171128/hiv-diagnoses-occurring-more-quickly-cdc-says?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ADA: Ask your senators to reauthorize CHIP

The ADA is urging dentists reach out to their senators, asking them to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program.

From: By Jennifer Garvin
http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/ada-ask-your-senators-to-reauthorize-chip

Is It Time to Scrap the Pap Test?

The combination of tests for cervical cancer includes a test to detect the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the test commonly known as the Pap test.

From: https://www.webmd.com/women/news/20171127/is-it-time-to-scrap-the-pap-test?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Doctor who doesn't use computer can't regain license

Don't Delay Hip Fracture Surgery. Here's Why

Having surgery within 24 hours decreases the risk of hip fracture-related death

From: https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/news/20171128/dont-delay-hip-fracture-surgery-heres-why?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FDA: Beware of Bone Treats for Dogs

Ninety dogs have been sickened, including 15 who died, from bone treats, federal agency says.

From: https://pets.webmd.com/news/20171128/fda-beware-of-one-treats-for-dogs?src=RSS_PUBLIC

1 in 10 medical products in developing countries is substandard or falsified

ADA, AAPD comment on CMS proposed rule

The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry on Nov. 27 filed comments on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid's proposed changes to the benefits and payment parameters — including the definition of a "typical" employer plan and allowing states to limit their essential health benefits packages — that could adversely affect dental patients.

From: By Jennifer Garvin
http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/ada-aapd-comment-on-cms-proposed-rule

Doc Won't Use Computer, Judge Won't Renew License

84-year-old doctor had asked to have license renewed.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171127/doc-wont-use-computer-judge-wont-renew-license?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Facebook turns to AI to help prevent suicides

Contaminated raw milk may have been sold in 4 states

This Weight-Loss Strategy May Not Help Your Knees

Weight loss from dieting can slow the progression of knee arthritis in overweight people, according to a new study.

From: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/news/20171128/this-weight-loss-strategy-may-not-help-your-knees?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Sniffing Out the Best Allergy Treatment

Seasonal allergies make life miserable for millions of Americans.

From: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20171128/sniffing-out-the-best-allergy-treatment?src=RSS_PUBLIC

From Horses to Humans: Uncovering a Clue to Sore Throats

The fight against germs that cause millions of sore throats each year may have gotten a boost from horses.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20171127/from-horses-to-humans-uncovering-a-clue-to-sore-throats?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: 5 tips for cooking with healthier oils

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KW3GHKlTL8

Bullied teens more likely to bring weapons to school

7 ways to prevent holiday stress — for your children

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

The holidays can be hectic — and tense. Between buying presents (expensive and nerve-racking), holiday events (how many holiday concerts can there be?), entertaining (so much cooking), traveling, and family gatherings (which are not always as pleasant as we might like), what should theoretically be fun has a way of becoming stressful. It can be stressful for kids, too.

Okay, they aren’t driving long distances, dealing with office parties, or managing a credit card bill. But it is stressful nonetheless. Routines are off, there are so many expectations, and the ambient stress has a way of affecting children too.

Here are seven ways to prevent and reduce holiday stress for children this season.

1. Manage your own stress. Not only are you setting an example, there’s just no way to stop your children from sensing your stress and being affected by it. It’s kind of like the safety message we hear every time we get on an airplane: if you are flying with a child and the oxygen masks drop, you should put yours on first and then put on the child’s. You’re no good to anyone if you can’t function. Try to be self-aware. Set aside time for yourself. Create code words that your partner and friends can use to let you know when you are starting to act like a snippy, crazy person. Practice self-care. Get enough sleep. Speaking of sleep…

2. As much as possible, keep routines the same. Kids do best when routines are predictable — and healthy. This is particularly true for sleep. As tempting as it may be to let kids stay up late and sleep late throughout the holidays, try to stay within an hour of usual times, except for special occasions (like New Year’s Eve). We all do better when we stick to our sleep routines. Same goes for mealtimes (be sure your kids get three healthy meals a day, preferably with you and not in front of the television). As you think about how your children will spend the holidays…

3. Manage expectations. My youngest child has a way of getting incredibly excited for Christmas, expecting that he will get that incredibly expensive and hard-to-find Lego set, and that we will spend every day of vacation visiting museums and doing other activities, preferably with his friends — and then getting sad when he gets something slightly different and has to amuse himself some days. This is true for lots of kids, and is very preventable. Up front, let kids know what they can and can’t expect. You don’t have to give away the surprise, but you could, as a family, say that everyone gets one big but not break-the-bank gift (and otherwise set parameters on gifts). And you can sit together, look at the calendar, and let your kids know what you can and cannot pull off when it comes to vacation activities. As you think about activities…

4. Keep kids active. Speaking of television, sitting in front of it (or a gaming console or an iPad or phone) all day isn’t good for anyone, and exercise is a known stress-buster. Kick them outside. Go to the park. Take advantage of free swim time at the local Y. Go for walks together. That together part is key…

5. Spend some time together. Real time, where you are sharing an activity. Going to the movies or having a family movie night is fine (and a nice way to end a crazy day), but try to do things that involve actual interaction. Play games together. Visit a museum together. Bake cookies. Which is a good example of how you can…

6. Build some family holiday rituals, if you don’t have them already. Whether it’s holiday baking, or making homemade gifts together, or a particular concert you always attend, or some friends you invite every year, create things you can do together every year that are meaningful and fun. There are plenty of things you have to do. Make your family rituals things you want to do. And as you build your rituals…

7. Choose something to do as a family that helps others. Choose toys for a toy drive. Go through clothes in the closet and bring gently used ones to a shelter or clothing drive. Donating money to causes is always great, but look for things that your children can actively participate in, preferably that you can do as a family. Try not to think of it as another family chore. Instead, think of it as a way to not only teach kindness, but to keep perspective on the holidays — and on what’s way more important than presents or parties.

That’s a perspective we all need — and the perspective that could save all of us a lot of stress.

The post 7 ways to prevent holiday stress — for your children appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/7-ways-prevent-holiday-stress-children-2017112812809

New patient resources available for National Family Caregivers Month

A video from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shows caregivers how they can help their loved ones reduce their risk of developing pneumonia while hospitalized by maintaining their oral health around the clock.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/new-patient-resources-available-for-national-family-caregivers-month

Arthritis No Longer Just a Disease of the Old

Roughly 91 million adults had arthritis in 2015. But the most surprising fact was that nearly one-third of sufferers were aged 18 to 64, a new study found.

From: https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/news/20171127/arthritis-no-longer-just-a-disease-of-the-old?src=RSS_PUBLIC

WHO delivers medicines as diphtheria spreads in Yemen

WHO delivers medicines as diphtheria spreads in Yemen

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/medicines-diphtheria-yemen/en/index.html

Monday, November 27, 2017

#DearDiabetes: Michael Eisenstein

Dear Diabetes,

Is that what they call you? My intimate stranger who invades every bit of me. They should call you out, put you on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and turn you into D Dust …

I felt fine, but knew I wasn’t. At the follow-up, the doctor said I had high cholesterol and HBP. Three new things to worry about. Stay tuned, more to come. And more did come.

DONE.

Michael Eisenstein
SVP, Products, American Diabetes Association

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2017/11/24/deardiabetes-michael-eisenstein/

Living with COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is the nation's third-biggest killer, after heart disease and cancer. About 150,000 Americans die of COPD each year. Among women, it is more deadly than breast and ovarian cancers combined. "Sunday Morning" Senior Contributor Ted Koppel interviews his wife, Grace Anne Dorney Koppel, who was given only a few years to live when she was diagnosed with COPD 16 years ago. Today, the couple advocates for more research into prevention and treatment, which lags far behind what is devoted to other diseases.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/living-with-copd/

Doctors seek new hope for patients with eye stroke

Scientists Race To Regrow Lost Knee Cartilage

Different researchers are all seeking the same goal: A way to reverse the loss of cartilage in the knee, a painful condition that causes osteoarthritis.

From: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/news/20171127/scientists-race-to-regrow-lost-knee-cartilage?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Seeking Better Sleep? Open a Window

Getting a better night's shut-eye may be as easy as cracking open a bedroom window or door, a small new study suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20171127/seeking-better-sleep-open-a-window?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Madagascar’s plague epidemic is slowing, but we must sustain the response

Madagascar’s unprecedented outbreak of pneumonic plague is slowing down but the response must be sustained, WHO cautioned on Monday (November 27).

“The worst of the outbreak is over, but we must stand ready to detect and respond to new infections until the end of the plague season in April 2018,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/plague-madagascar-slowing/en/index.html

#MayoClinicNeuroChat about Pediatric Brain Tumors

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0iUK8Bsbfo

Zika Nerve Damage May Stem From Virus Response

Nerve-related complications of Zika infection may be caused by the immune system's response to the virus, not the virus itself, according to a new study.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171127/zika-nerve-damage-may-stem-from-virus-response?src=RSS_PUBLIC

December JADA looks at dental disease in patients with head and neck cancer

Most patients with head and neck cancer have some level of dental disease when they begin radiation therapy, which highlights the importance of having a dental evaluation before starting treatment, according to research published in the December issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/december-jada-patients-with-head-and-neck-cancer-benefit-from-seeing-dentist-before

Hospital responds after nurse's tweet sparks outrage

The nurse tweeted that white boys "should be sacrificed to the wolves"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hospital-responds-after-nurse-tweets-white-boys-should-be-sacrificed-to-the-wolves/

"Super hero blood" helps boy battle rare disease

Landen Veneklase has Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), which is a rare genetic brain disease that affects his immune system

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/landen-veneklase-super-hero-blood-adrenoleukodystrophy/

Veterans help spur use of medical pot for PTSD

Twenty-eight states plus the District of Columbia now include PTSD in their medical marijuana programs

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/medical-marijuana-pot-for-ptsd-veterans/

Help the ADA Foundation on Giving Tuesday

Healthcare freebies that can make you, and your wallet, feel a little better

“Take the cookies, bring them home to the kids!” Craig always insists, as he pops a few into my lunch bag. It’s a heartwarming gesture that I love about his Sarasota deli — in addition to the killer turkey on whole wheat. You may not be surprised when local businesses throw in a freebie; they often go the extra mile to thank customers.

But you may be surprised to know that there are lots of free things out there that can help your health. Okay, not cookies, but things with real value when it comes to improving everything from chronic disease to diet and fitness.

Free prescription drugs

Some stores (such as Publix and Harris Teeter chain stores in the southeastern United States, and Meijer stores in the Midwest) offer free generic versions of many prescription medications, regardless of whether you have financial need. Examples include antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or cephalexin; blood pressure medications, such as amlodipine or lisinopril; metformin to treat diabetes; and montelukast to treat allergies.

Ask your pharmacist if a drug you’re taking might be available in a free generic version, and ask your doctor if it’s possible to switch to it.

Free blood pressure screenings

Blood pressure machines in a mall or grocery store are usually free, but the measurements may not be accurate. Instead, have a health care worker take your blood pressure. Many pharmacies offer this free service. “It is a huge help when patients can get their blood pressures taken outside the stressful environment of a doctor’s office,” explains geriatrician Dr. Suzanne Salamon, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.

She suggests keeping a chart of several readings you get at pharmacies and bringing or sending them to your physician. This helps distinguish between real blood pressure increases and “white coat” hypertension (caused by nerves in the doctor’s office) — and could make the difference between adding new medicines or not.

Free advice

Some places you already visit may offer free advice that can benefit your health. At the drugstore, for example, pharmacists can provide insight about your medications, when to take them, and how they might interact with other drugs or over-the-counter remedies.

At the grocery store, produce managers can show you what’s in season and offer tips on selecting ripe vegetables and fruit. Meat, poultry, and seafood counter workers can point you to the freshest or leanest proteins and suggest recipes.

Another source for free advice: local hospitals and health insurance plans that provide 24-hour toll-free health hotlines. These feature nurses who can answer basic health questions or assess symptoms and advise you about when to seek treatment.

Free food

A healthy diet is essential for good health. Local food banks are wonderful resources for free food — not just non-perishable goods but also fresh, locally grown produce. Of course, you have to be financially eligible for that. There may not be a fee, however, for groups that deliver fresh meals to older adults who are homebound or unable to cook for themselves. Meals on Wheels is a good example.

There’s no fee for more than a dozen nonprofit groups offering fresh, medically tailored meals to people who are too sick to buy groceries or cook for themselves. Examples of these groups include Community Servings in Boston. To find more groups, check out the Food Is Medicine Coalition.

And you may find the occasional free cookie at your favorite deli. It won’t boost your health, but the gesture of kindness sure will make you feel good!

The post Healthcare freebies that can make you, and your wallet, feel a little better appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Heidi Godman https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthcare-freebies-feel-better-2017112712724

Mayo Clinic Minute: Figuring out fermented foods

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7xfdgw7Zxc

Research Symposium & Education Forum

From: BritishDietetic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPzG6dcpyXU

FDA announces guidelines that could hasten review of regenerative medicine products, such as stem cells

Who's Most Distracted Behind the Wheel?

Texting, talking on cellphones, eating, drinking -- distractions such as these are a driving hazard, and are more likely to occur among young men, new research shows.

From: https://teens.webmd.com/news/20171124/whos-most-distracted-behind-the-wheel?src=RSS_PUBLIC

La historia de Stella

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28DpOMKQhuE

La historia de Stella

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J-1jZvBbS0

Stella's Story

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-qwuHtGwbc

Stella's Story

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhZADTN6nO4

Jolinda's Story

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWD914wWmb0

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Health Related Behaviors and Academic Achievement: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUOQzc8K9_0

Weight Gain for Women in Mid-life: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8AYEU2JtxU

Living with COPD

Clearing the air about COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the nation's third-biggest killer; Ted Koppel looks at a disease which has hit very close to home, and asks why more isn't being done for research into prevention and treatment

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/clearing-the-air-about-copd/

COPD facts from the COPD Foundation

Information on symptoms, risk factors, and screening for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which affects more than 6% of the U.S. population

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/copd-facts-from-the-copd-foundation/

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Morning Rounds: Cancers with modifiable risk factors

In this week's Morning Rounds, CBS News contributor Dr. David Agus joins "CBS This Morning: Saturday" to discuss a new study that looks at cancer cases where modifiable risk factors played a role and another study that looks at the physical activity of desk workers.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/morning-rounds-cancers-with-modifiable-risk-factors/

#DearDiabetes: Michael Eisenstein

Dear Diabetes,

Is that what they call you? My intimate stranger who invades every bit of me. They should call you out, put you on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and turn you into D Dust …

I felt fine, but knew I wasn’t. At the follow-up, the doctor said I had high cholesterol and HBP. Three new things to worry about. Stay tuned, more to come. And more did come.

DONE.

Michael Eisenstein
SVP, Products, American Diabetes Association

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2017/11/24/deardiabetes-michael-eisenstein/

Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Arrhythmia Management

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN0PeUNa9I8

USDA Ethics, Post Employment for Further Restricted Employees

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl1gwtevhKw

USDA Ethics, Widely Attended Gatherings

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1lWmUEEhqw

USDA, The Ethics Pledge – Post Employment Restrictions

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwO6lsJBQPg

USDA Ethics, Hatch Act for Further Restricted Employees

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri_X-ULU_zs

USDA Ethics, Gifts Between Employees

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKhJqTJqVa0

USDA Ethics, Gift Exclusions

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYu36j7d0fk

USDA, Introducción a Ética

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB0Oj-oT69M

USDA Ética, Regalos Derivados de Fuentes Externas

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SH0zQft34Q

Mayo Clinic Minute: Hope for Alzheimer's disease

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSNPc4-_xf4

Minimally Disruptive Medicine 2017 Workshop: Setting the Stage

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsG_ZkIe0C8

Minimally Disruptive Medicine 2017 Workshop: The Patient Revolution

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psMqxkzjYX4

Minimally Disruptive Medicine 2017 Workshop: Burden of Treatment Experience in France

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiiyrlvdZwk

Smoggy Air May Spawn Weaker Sperm

Microscopic particles in the air called particulate matter (PM2.5) may affect the quality of sperm, which in turn can make it difficult to fertilize a woman's egg, the researchers said.

From: https://www.webmd.com/men/news/20171122/smoggy-air-may-spawn-weaker-sperm?src=RSS_PUBLIC

It's the Latest Diet Craze, But Is It Safe?

It's a simplified approach to eating that essentially views fruits and vegetables through the same prism as candies and soda. All that matters is the total caloric tally.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20171122/its-the-latest-diet-craze-but-is-it-safe?src=RSS_PUBLIC

This Thanksgiving, Promise Yourself: Don't Choke

Researchers say people are more apt to get food stuck in their throats at the holidays.

From: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20171121/this-thanksgiving-promise-yourself-dont-choke?src=RSS_PUBLIC

A Vioxx comeback? A startup eyes the drug for hemophilia

The blockbuster drug was pulled in 2004 amid health concerns, but it may find a second life as a hemophilia treatment

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-vioxx-comeback-a-startup-eyes-the-drug-for-hemophilia/

FDA addresses IV fluids, saline bag shortage

Silver Spring, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration announced Nov. 17 that hospitals are reporting shortages of IV fluids, particularly small saline solution bags, stemming from destruction caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in September.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/fda-addresses-iv-fluids-saline-bag-shortage

12-year-old taking medical marijuana sues Jeff Sessions and DEA

A 12-year-old girl with severe epilepsy is spearheading a campaign to legalize medical marijuana across the country

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/medical-marijuana-epilepsy-seizures-alexis-bortell-lawsuit/

Could this brain-training program ward off dementia?

In what researchers call a first, healthy seniors who tried a specific brain-training program were less likely to develop dementia down the road

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/brainhq-brain-training-program-ward-off-dementia-alzheimers/

Boy with cancer dies after wish for early Christmas

Jacob Thompson battled neuroblastoma for four years, and people around the world pitched in to bring him joy in his final days

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jacob-thompson-dies-after-public-fulfills-wish-early-christmas/

Overweight women may need more frequent mammograms

New research suggests heavier women are at greater risk of having breast cancer detected after the tumor has grown large

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/overweight-women-may-need-more-frequent-mammograms/

Insurance plan networks: 5 things you need to know

Follow me on Twitter @dianewshannon

My 18-year-old daughter recently moved to a university about 1,500 miles away to study theater. Tears, texts, and several care packages later, she settled in, only to develop a hamstring injury that prevented her from participating in required dance classes. In short, she needed several months of physical therapy.

After searching for options near the university, she told me that visits would cost as much as $200 each. Our health insurance plan only covers urgent or emergency care outside of our local area, and physical therapy was not considered urgent. When she enrolled, we had assumed she would get preventive care when she was at home and use a local walk-in clinic for urgent needs. We hadn’t considered services like physical therapy. Suddenly, opting out of the university’s student health plan didn’t seem like such a smart idea.

Narrow networks are one method that health plans use to control their costs. Basically, a plan with a narrow network covers services from a smaller number of doctors and hospitals. By contracting with fewer care providers, the health plan is able to negotiate lower costs. Generally, care providers located in other states or regions of the country are out-of-network.

If you choose a narrow-network plan, it may have a lower premium but you will have less choice in care providers. And, if you obtain care outside of the plan’s network, you will pay more. In some cases, you will be responsible for paying the total cost of the services you obtain from out-of-network doctors and hospitals.

To avoid dilemmas like mine, here’s what you need to know:

1. If you have a choice of health plans, compare the costs and the care provider networks. Set aside some time to read and understand the benefits of each health plan. Make sure you clearly understand whether the plan you’re considering has a narrow network.

2. Before you choose a plan, check if the hospitals and care providers that you use are included in the plan’s network. Contact the doctor’s office, the customer service or billing department of the hospital, or your health plan to see if the hospital and your care providers are in-network. Remember to check on the care providers used by family members on your plan.

3. Take steps to protect yourself from surprise billing for out-of-network care. Sometimes consumers receive a “surprise bill” — one that is completely unexpected or far higher than expected. Often these bills relate to emergency care at an out-of-network facility or doctors who work at an in-network facility but are not in-network themselves.

What to do? Learn about your health plan benefits regarding emergency care at an out-of-network facility. If you’re visiting family in another state and need emergency care, what are the out-of-pocket costs? Knowing the costs ahead of time, you might decide to go to an urgent-care center rather than the emergency department of the hospital, if the problem is urgent but not a true emergency.

If you are planning for a non-emergency test or surgery, make sure the doctors and hospital are in-network. Contact the doctor’s office, the customer service or billing department of the hospital, or your health plan to check.

4. Communicate with family members (your spouse, college-age children) about your plan’s network. Make sure they know which care providers are in-network — and the financial consequences of obtaining care from out-of-network hospitals or care providers.

5. If you receive a surprise bill or find an error on your bill, take proactive steps immediately. If you find any errors on your bill or receive a surprise bill, contact the hospital or doctor’s office directly as soon as possible. You can correct any errors or try to negotiate a lower price and a payment plan. Contact the care provider as soon as possible to avoid having an unpaid bill turned over to a collection agency.

In the end, we decided to purchase the student health insurance — fortunately the enrollment deadline had not passed — and my daughter is working her way back to health and a career on the stage. And I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of fully understanding the network limits of our health plan.

Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH is author of the Harvard Health Publishing special report Navigating Health Insurance. This Harvard Medical School Guide will help you compare health plans, estimate your costs, understand Medicare and Medicaid benefits, decipher your hospital bill, take steps to avoid unexpected charges, and reduce prescription drug costs.

The post Insurance plan networks: 5 things you need to know appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/insurance-plan-networks-5-things-you-need-to-know-2017112012743

Ted and Grace Anne Koppel on COPD, third leading cause of death in U.S.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the nation's third biggest killer after heart disease and cancer. About 150,000 Americans die of COPD each year. Among women, it is more deadly than breast and ovarian cancers combined. Ted Koppel focuses on the disease for a report next weekend on CBS "Sunday Morning." His wife, Grace Anne, was given only a few years to live when she was diagnosed 16 years ago. The Koppels join "CBS This Morning" to discuss why they're advocating for more research into prevention and treatment.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/ted-and-grace-anne-koppel-on-copd-third-leading-cause-of-death-in-us/

Ted Koppel and wife Grace Anne on living with COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the third leading cause of death in U.S., yet it is little understood by millions who have gone undiagnosed

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ted-koppel-grace-anne-koppel-on-living-with-copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/

Association seeks treasurer candidates

Members interested in running for ADA treasurer can visit ADA.org to find the information necessary to file for candidacy.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/association-seeks-treasurer-candidates

December webinar to help dentists collect what they produce

The ADA Council on Dental Practice is sponsoring a one-hour program, GPS Managing Finances Webinar: How to Collect What You Produce, on Dec. 7 to assist dentists in making sound business decisions when helping patients finance treatment.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/december-webinar-to-help-dentists-collect-what-they-produce

Friday, November 24, 2017

#DearDiabetes: Michael Eisenstein

Dear Diabetes,

Is that what they call you? My intimate stranger who invades every bit of me. They should call you out, put you on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and turn you into D Dust …

I felt fine, but knew I wasn’t. At the follow-up, the doctor said I had high cholesterol and HBP. Three new things to worry about. Stay tuned, more to come. And more did come.

DONE.

Michael Eisenstein
SVP, Products, American Diabetes Association

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2017/11/24/deardiabetes-michael-eisenstein/